In this course you will learn process analysis for bottlenecks, inventory buildup, customer waiting and project duration. You will see operational processes of different types and how these align with particular business models. You will discuss the business and operating models of innovators including Tesla, Beleza Natural, Toyota and Katerra. You will grapple with climate change (our gigaton inventory buildup problem) and criticize a life cycle assessment. The course will be most valuable for students with the least prior knowledge of operations management.
2 units · GSB Letter Graded
In this course you will learn process analysis for bottlenecks, inventory buildup, customer waiting and project duration. You will see operational processes of different types and how these align with particular business models. You will discuss the business and operating models of innovators including Tesla, Beleza Natural, Toyota and Katerra. You will grapple with climate change (our gigaton inventory buildup problem) and criticize a life cycle assessment. The course will be most valuable for students with the least prior knowledge of operations management.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.